Munster is set to experience severe weather conditions tonight and into tomorrow, with new weather warnings in place since the initial Status Yellow warning was issued yesterday. Met Eireann has now added a Status Yellow wind warning, in addition to the existing rain warning, as well as a Status Orange Marine warning for the south-east and south coast. This means that the region can expect heavy rain, thunderstorms, and very strong winds. The conditions are expected to start later today and intensify overnight, with the potential for spot flooding, fallen trees, and power outages.
The Status Orange Storm warning, a rare occurrence in August, is in effect from 10pm tonight until 4am tomorrow morning. It covers the areas from Wicklow Head to Hook Head to Mizen Head, as well as the Irish Sea south of Anglesey. Met Eireann warns that “southeast winds, veering southwest, will reach storm force 10 for a time on Irish coastal waters.” Meanwhile, the Status Yellow Storm warning is in place for Munster and Leinster from 9pm tonight, with forecasters predicting “very windy conditions with southeast winds, veering southwest, gusting up to 110km/h, higher on exposed coasts and hills.”
The potential impacts of the storm include damage to temporary structures, travel disruption, power outages, and wave overtopping. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit the southwest coast of Cork from this afternoon, moving across the county and reaching the city by around 4pm. This could make the evening commute home difficult. Thunder and lightning conditions are expected to continue throughout the night and into the early hours of tomorrow morning. It is advisable to keep a torch handy and ensure that phones and other devices are fully charged, as power cuts may affect wide areas of the county.
The full weather forecast for Munster today predicts mostly cloudy conditions with scattered outbreaks of rain in the morning, along with a few limited bright spells. In the afternoon, heavy and persistent rain is expected to move in from the south, with a high risk of flooding in some areas. The evening will be wet and breezy, with heavy rain and thundery downpours, and the continued likelihood of spot flooding. The day will become increasingly blustery, with fresh to strong and gusty east to southeast winds. High temperatures will range from 17 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Tonight will be wet and windy, with heavy rain and thundery downpours. Very windy or stormy conditions may develop, especially in coastal areas. Spot flooding is likely, making travel conditions difficult. The lowest temperatures will range from 14 to 17 degrees Celsius, with strong east or southeast winds that will veer southwesterly later.
Tomorrow, Saturday, is expected to be a bright and breezy day with sunny spells and just a few showers. Maximum temperatures will range from 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, with fresh and gusty southwest winds. The national outlook for the coming days indicates mixed weather, with long dry spells and some showers. Saturday night will see clear spells and a few showers, mainly affecting the south and west of the country. Lowest temperatures overnight will range from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius, with moderate southerly winds.
On Sunday, there will be plenty of dry weather with spells of sunshine and just a few showers, mainly confined to Atlantic coastal counties. It will be a fairly warm day, with highest temperatures ranging from 18 to 23 degrees Celsius, and a moderate to fresh southwest breeze. Sunday night will start with clear spells and a few showers, but it is expected to become mostly cloudy later with patchy rain developing. Lowest temperatures will range from 14 to 17 degrees Celsius, with a moderate southerly breeze.
Monday will be a showery day with sunny spells and fairly widespread showers, some of which may be heavy and prolonged. Top temperatures will range from 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, with a moderate to fresh southwest wind. Monday night will bring scattered showers, mainly affecting Atlantic coastal counties. Lowest temperatures will range from 13 to 16 degrees Celsius, with light southwest winds.
Tuesday will see another day of bright spells and showers, with the possibility of heavy and thundery showers, especially in the afternoon. The evening is expected to become mostly dry and sunny. Highest temperatures will range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, with a moderate southwest breeze. Tuesday night will be largely dry with long clear spells. Lowest temperatures will range from 9 to 12 degrees Celsius, with light southwest winds.